Steven Montpas: 1949 Willys Pickup

Truck class:Mean Green Willys
Originally our Truck Class alternate, Steven Montpas (a genuinely nice guy who is definitely not mean) got his promotion to TTC competitor after another finalist was forced to drop out a month before the event. He promised us that he’d be ready to run with the big dogs, and his Willys pickup would appear to have the necessary ingredients to compete, with ample power, 2½-ton running gear, plenty of tire, and some interesting creativity in its suspension design.

Resting on a shortened, boxed, and plated frame, the ’49 Willys rolls on 54-inch TSL Boggers mounted on 20-inch double-beadlocked HEMMT military rims. The rear cagework, by Moore Fabrication, provides an extra measure of protection for the relocated radiator and fan and a custom fuel cell. Retrieval chores are handled by a Warn 9.5Xp up front and by a Warn XD9000 in the rear.

A Real Jeep should be able to be hosed out after a day on the trail, and the Willys is true to the breed. Interior upgrades are minimal and all aimed at function, including the trio of Mac’s Tools gauges and a Grant steering wheel. Note also the JB Fabrications twin sticks for the 205 transfer case.